On Saturday, the seventh installment of Citizens Police Academy the class traveled to the Russellville Police Department’s gun range.

For many, this was the highlight of CPA they had been looking forward to from the onset. For others, it was a four-hour event to approach with trepidation. Most had held and fired guns before, but it was a first time for some.

Just like every hands-on class in CPA, the day began with instruction to learn more about the training of the RPD and safety lessons to keep the cadets safe.

Sgt. Matt Jacobs, the gun range instructor, began with the basics – treat all weapons as if loaded, muzzle control (watch where the gun is pointed), trigger finger index (flesh to metal or don’t position finger on trigger until ready to fire) and know your target.

He demonstrated with the different firearms, which looked like first, not second nature. Jacobs knew how to handle a gun and he patiently and without laughing too hard, helped each cadet successfully hit the targets.

Assisting the class was Sgt. Alan Bradley, also a gun expert, and between the two, the class learned how to load, unload and properly stand to avoid recoil.

Cadets took turns firing an officer’s service handgun, a rifle, a .22 and a shotgun.

Safety was always at the forefront. If the line was “hot”, it meant wear ear and eye protection because people were firing.

RPD officers prequalify annually on their firearm and participate in training exercises throughout the year. The officers practice from the seven-yard line because by the rule of threes, that is where most of the action takes place.

The rule of threes – the action takes place at three meters or less, in three seconds or less and three shots or less are fired.

RPD officers train heavily with the .22 because the ammunition is less expensive and then transfer that training to their handguns.

They practice shooting stationary targets while listening to commands, as far as where to shoot and how many rounds; they practice shooting moving targets; they practice shooting standing, from the ground and while moving – and they even practice shooting with each hand individually, including getting the weapon out of the holster one-handed and with the opposite hand to prepare as much as possible for real-life situations.

Are officers trained to maim or disarm when they discharge their service weapon at a threat or are they taught to shoot to kill?

Neither. Jacobs said officers are taught to shoot until the threat is alleviated and taught to aim for body mass. In some instances, that might mean just a few rounds, but in others, it means an officer will continue to fire until no longer fired upon.

And probably not just one shot, officers are taught to shoot in bursts, so even one shot is probably at least three bullets.

The class learned more than anticipated about gun safety and weapons training, and hopefully, learned enough to prepare for Active Shooter at Tuesday night’s CPA session.

The class had a good time. Everyone took a turn on each weapon, including the shotgun, which did pack a wallop.

The best – full automatic. Wow! And that was a first for almost everyone in the class.